The Case Against Elissa Slotkin’s Michigan Senate Campaign: Why Connections to China Could Hurt Her Candidacy

Having served as the acting director of national intelligence during the Trump administration, my understanding of the growing threat posed by China is extensive. This is why I am deeply concerned about the outcome of the close Senate race in Michigan.

China poses a threat to our economy, national security, and way of life.

China is constantly exploiting our vulnerabilities by stealing intellectual property, infiltrating government and private systems through hacking, and gathering information on our youth through platforms like TikTok.

Furthermore, the Chinese Communist Party uses students and faculty at American universities for espionage and theft.

Recently, in Michigan, five Chinese nationals who were studying at the University of Michigan were caught spying at Camp Grayling in northern Michigan, where Taiwanese soldiers are trained by the US military to defend against a potential Chinese invasion.

The message is clear: China cannot be trusted.

After four years of perceived weakness on the global stage, America cannot afford leaders who do not grasp the threat posed by China. Yet, a particular elected official with a history of weakness towards China may become Michigan’s next senator.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a former political appointee in the Obama administration, entered into a nondisclosure agreement in 2022 to assist a Chinese battery company in securing hundreds of millions of dollars from Michigan taxpayers.

This battery company, Gotion, has ties to the Chinese Communist Party and aims to establish operations near one of America’s largest National Guard training facilities.

This poses a significant national security risk, as affirmed by former Obama Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta during a congressional hearing earlier this year. Panetta stated unequivocally that the Chinese Communist Party would exploit the plant for intelligence gathering.

Despite projecting a tough stance on China and national security expertise during her campaign, Slotkin’s secret dealings and refusal to disclose information raise questions.

Michigan voters deserve honesty, transparency, and better judgment from their representatives.

Why would Slotkin or any member of Congress enter into a nondisclosure agreement with a company linked to a foreign government? And if Slotkin wishes to disassociate herself from the Gotion plant and the secret agreement, why has she not released herself from the long-standing NDA?

Slotkin’s actions suggest concealment. The solution is simple: Slotkin should release herself from the deal and provide voters with a clear understanding of her involvement.

Michigan voters deserve the truth and a senator with integrity and courage to confront America’s adversaries.

They deserve a leader like former FBI special agent Mike Rogers, who has actively opposed the China threat and safeguarded our nation as House Intelligence Committee chairman.

I urge Slotkin to release herself from the agreement before Nov. 5. Michigan voters deserve transparency regarding her undisclosed activities.